The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-04-21
AN ELOQUENT TRIBUTE.
chauncy M. Depew's Memorial Ad-
dress on Arthur.
An Impartial Analysis Of the Late
Presidents Prominent Char
acteristics.
A Man of Worth and Eminent as a
Public Servant.

ALBANY, April 20.-The exercises In hon
or of the late President Arthur were held
in the Assembly Chamber this evening, a
distinguished audience being present. Among
the relatives Of the ex-President were Ches-
ter A. Arthur, Jr., Miss Nellie Arthur, Ar
thur II. MastOn, Mr.. and Mrs. John Z. Nc
Elroy and William II. McElroy. The only
decorations were American flags draped be-
hind the Speakers desk, and portrait Of
Mr.. Arthur.
Senator Smith called the meeting to order,
and introduced Gov. Hill as chairman.
The Governor briefly returned thanks for
the honor conferred ON him. The speakers
were United States District Attorney Ben
lamln II. Brewster of Philadelphia, and
Hon. Chauncy M. Depew of New York.
The following is an abstract Of Mr.. De-
pew's memorial address,:
President Arthur will be distinguished
both for what he did and what he refrained
public feeling, the vehemence of the angry
and vindictive passions of the time, demand
ed the rareSt of negative as we'll as positive
qualities. The calm and even course of
government allayed excitement and appealed
to the better judgment of the people. But
though not aggressive or brilliant, his adj
ministration was sensible and strong and
admirably adjusted 70 the conditions which
created and attended it. He spoke vigorous
ly for the reform and improvement of the
civil service, and when Congress, acting up
on MS suggestions, enacted the lazy, he con-
structed the machinery for its execution
which has since accomplished most satisfac-
tory, though as yet incomplete results On
question OF currency and finance he met the
needs OF public. and private credit, and the
best commercial sentiment of the country.
he knew the necessity for efficient coast de-
fences, and navy equal to the require
ments of the age. He keenly felt the weak
ness OF our merchant marine and the total
destruction of the proud position we had
formerly held among the maritime nations
of the world, and did what he could to move
Congress to wise and patriotic legislation.
When the measures of his period are crowd
ed into oblivion by the rapid and ceaseless
tread OF the events Of each hour, in our phe-
nomenal development and its needs, two acts
of dramatic picturesqueness and historical
significance will furnish themes for the ora
tor and illustrations for the academic stage
of the future.
The centennial of the final surrender at
Yorktown which marked the end Of the rev.
olutionary war and the close of English rule
was celebrated with fitting splendor and ap-
pr0priateHess. The presence of the descend
ants of Lafayette and Steuben as the guests
CT the nation, typifed the undying gratitude
Of the Republic for the services rendered by
the great French Patriot and his country
men, and by. the famous German soldier.
But the President, with characteristic grace
and tact, determined that the ceremonies
should also officially record that all feelings
of hostility against the mother country was
dead. He directed that the celebration
should be closed by salute fred in honor Of
the British flag, as he felicitously said, Sin
recognition of the friendly relations SO long
and so happily subsisting between Great Brit
ain and the United States, in the trust and
confidence of peace and good will between
the two ennnfrlaq for all fhn QanfuriAc m
come" and then he added the sentence
which might be Americas message of con-
graduation at the Queens .ubilee this sum-
mer, ''and especially as work lof the pro-
found respect entertained by the American
people for the illustrious sovereign and gra-
cious lady who sits upon the British throne"
General Grant was dying of a lingering
and most painful disease. Manifold and ex-
traordinary misfortunes had befallen him
and his last days were clouded with great
mental distress and doubt. The old soldier
was most anxious to know that his country
men freed him and would hold his memory
sacred from all blame in connection with the
men and troubles with which he had become
so strangely, innoeently and most mex;
tricably involved. Whether his life should
suddenly go out in the darkness, or be spared
for an indefinite period was largely depend
ent upon some act which would convey TO
him the confidence and admiration of the
people. Again were illustrated both General
quick and correct appreciation Of the ex-
preston of popular sentiment By timely
suggestions to Congress. speedily acted upon,
he happily closed the administration by
affixing as its last official act his signature tC
the nomination, which was confirmed with
tumultuous cheers, creating Ulysses S. Grant
General of the Army. The news flashed to
the hero, with atfectionate message, rescued
him from the grave, to enjoy for months the
| bilssful assurance that comrades and coun-
had falrr I.Tan
| into their tender and watchful keeping.
There has rarely been in the history OF
| popular governments so great contrast a.
| in the public appreciation Of General Arthur
| at the time of his Inauguration and when ht
retired from office. The President of whom
| little was expected and much feared returned
to private life enjoying in a larger degree
than most Of his predecessors the profound
| respect and warm regard of the people with
| out distinction of party. He was a warm
hearted. social, pleasure-loying man, but ca
| pable of the greatest industry, endurance
and courage. He dearly loved to crafty hi!
friends, but If he thought the public inter
| eStS so required no one could more firmly re
sist their desires or their opportunities. BY
| his dignity and urbanity, and his rich posses
sion Of the graces which attract and adorr
| IN social intercourse, he gave new charm Il
| the hospitalities of the White House
Though son of country clergyman and un
familiar with courts, in him the veteran
courtiers of the old world found all the cul
ture, the proper observance of ceremonial
properties and the indications of powe
which surround Emperors and King
| Of ancient lineage and hereditary posi-
| tions, but tempered by most attractive re
publican simplicity, He said to me early il
his administration, ''My sole ambition Is Il
enjoy the confidence of my countrymen.
Towards this noble ideal he stroye with un
deviating purpose. Even in the mistakes HI
made could be seen his manly struggle to b,
right Once again in private station and re
suming the practice of his profession, h
moved among his fellow citizens receiving
the homage and recognition whi:h came o
their pride in the way he had borne the hon
ors and administered the duties of the chic
magistracy of the republic.
In his last illness he had the sympath,
and prayers of the natiou, and the granl
gathering of the men most distinguished il
| every department of our public and privat,
life, who sorrowfully bore him to the grave
was the solemn tribute of the whole peopl,
through their representatives, to his wortl
as man and his eminence as public ser
| want